7A Ch18 Cheat Sheet: Birds

🎯 Top 5 Traps

1

Pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows are NOT directly protected at the federal level — but virtually ALL OTHER bird species ARE. Even for the three pest birds, pesticide applications must follow the product label and FIFRA. NON-TARGET birds in the treatment area are FULLY protected — actions that kill or damage protected birds or their habitats violate federal and state regulations. State and local regulations may require permits even for the three pest species. When in doubt, contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service District office.

2

HISTOPLASMOSIS and CRYPTOCOCCOSIS are FUNGAL diseases inhaled from bird droppings — major risks during ROOST CLEANUP. Histoplasmosis: airborne spores from soil enriched by droppings 3+ YEARS; ~50 MILLION Americans exposed; can cause OCULAR HISTOPLASMOSIS SYNDROME (OHS) leading to BLINDNESS. Cryptococcosis: PIGEON DROPPINGS the most important source; found in 84% of old roost samples; cutaneous form = acne-like ulcers with nodules; generalized form = lung infection → CNS, can be fatal. Cleanup workers need: 0.3-MICRON respirator, full disposable PPE, WET DOWN droppings, remove clothing WHILE STILL WEARING THE RESPIRATOR.

3

Avitrol works through FLOCK ALARMING — only 5 to 15 PERCENT of the flock needs to be affected for 65 to 85 PERCENT to leave the area. Avitrol is mixed with untreated corn at ratios from 1:29 to 1:9 (treated:untreated). 1:29 generally kills 5%; 1:9 kills 15%+. PREBAIT first to get 40%+ acceptance — takes 3 days to 3 weeks. Cardinals, blue jays, and doves also eat whole corn — non-target risk. The goal is to RELOCATE the flock, not kill every pigeon.

4

AVITROL = poison bait with flock-alarming convulsions. ORNITROL = chemosterilant ("birth-control pill") — does NOT kill birds. Ornitrol inhibits OVULATION in females (effects last 6 months) and SPERM PRODUCTION in males (3 months). Apply for 10 DAYS, 2 TIMES PER YEAR (early spring March + late summer/early fall). Populations decline slowly through natural mortality. Little/no activity in mammals. No secondary poisoning hazard. TOXIC PERCHES are a third option: FENTHION absorbed through bird's feet — hazardous to ALL birds and animals INCLUDING HUMANS; birds don't die for 4 days; dead birds MUST be picked up, buried, or burned BY LAW.

5

Sticky repellent BEAD DEPTH varies by species: crows/sea gulls 3/8 inch, PIGEONS 1/4 inch, STARLINGS 1/8 inch, SPARROWS 1/16 inch. Active ingredients: polybutene/isopolybutene or petroleum naphthenic oils. Apply with caulking gun at 30-45 degrees. PREPARE the surface first: clean ledges, then SEAL POROUS materials (concrete, unpainted wood, brownstone) with silicone/sealant or paint/shellac before applying repellent (otherwise absorbed). Place breaks in the bead every few feet to avoid trapping rainwater against the building. ULTRASONIC DEVICES DO NOT WORK against birds — numerous tests have failed to show efficacy.

🔢 Numbers You Must Know

Number

What It Represents

3 pest bird species

Pigeons, starlings, house sparrows — the only birds NOT directly protected at the federal level (state/local rules may still apply)

140 million

Current US starling population (introduced 1890 with just 60 birds in NYC)

3 years or more

Period of soil enrichment by droppings before histoplasmosis organism increases to significant levels

50 million Americans

Estimated US population exposed to histoplasmosis. ~500,000 infections/year, 5,000 hospitalized, 800 deaths.

4 percent / ~100,000

Histoplasmosis-exposed people with retinal scarring putting them at OHS risk; ~100,000 have OHS in rapidly progressive blinding form

84 percent

Old roost samples found to contain Cryptococcus neoformans — even old/dry droppings remain infectious

0.3 microns

Respirator filter rating required when removing large quantities of bird droppings

Every 2 weeks

Nest destruction frequency during spring and summer until birds move to other sites

50 feet

Distance around occupied nest site to treat with insecticide/acaricide for ectoparasites

2 to 5 years

Plastic bird-control netting lifespan (depending on UV exposure); UV inhibitor included in extruded polypropylene

45 degrees

Sheet metal cover installation angle to prevent bird landing

Bead depths by species

Sticky repellent: 3/8 inch crows/sea gulls, 1/4 inch PIGEONS, 1/8 inch STARLINGS, 1/16 inch SPARROWS — caulking gun at 30-45 degrees

5 to 15 percent

Share of flock that needs to be affected by Avitrol for the program to succeed (65-85% of flock then leaves the area)

1:29 to 1:9

Avitrol-to-untreated bait ratios: 1:29 → ~5% kill; 1:9 → 15%+ kill (max ratio is 1:9)

40 percent

Avitrol prebait acceptance goal — takes 3 days to 3 weeks to achieve

15 minutes

Time after eating toxic Avitrol dose before birds flutter erratically and convulse (convulsions last 1+ hour)

4 days

Toxic perch (FENTHION) death timing — birds usually die within 20-30 feet of perch in roosting site

10 to 12 perches / 30 perches

Toxic perches needed for average / large jobs; refill twice per year; LEAK in hot weather

10 days, 2x/year

Ornitrol application schedule (early spring March + late summer/early fall) — 7.5 lbs/100 pigeons daily; 1-week prebait

6 months / 3 months

Ornitrol sterility duration: females 6 months, males 3 months

10 to 15 feet

Distance to move an inactive pigeon trap that may significantly improve catches

🔀 Easily Confused

Pair / Group

Distinguishing Feature

Federal protection: 3 pest birds vs Other birds

Pigeons, starlings, house sparrows: NOT directly protected at federal level — but FIFRA still applies to pesticide use, and state/local rules may require permits. All other birds: regulated at federal level. Non-target birds in treatment area are FULLY protected — special permits may be required for trapping or lethal control.

Histoplasmosis vs Cryptococcosis

Both fungal diseases inhaled from bird droppings; both especially risky during cleanup. Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum): airborne spores from SOIL enriched 3+ years; pigeon AND starling droppings (also bats); causes OHS (blindness risk). Cryptococcosis (Cryptococcus neoformans): PIGEON droppings the main source; in attics, cupolas, ledges, water towers; found in 84% of old roost samples; 50 million colony units per gram of pigeon manure.

Cutaneous vs Generalized cryptococcosis

Cutaneous: acne-like skin eruptions or ulcers with nodules just under the skin. Generalized: begins as lung infection, spreads to other body areas, particularly central nervous system; can be fatal.

Avitrol vs Ornitrol vs Toxic Perch

Avitrol: poison bait with FLOCK-ALARMING convulsions; 5-15% affected → 65-85% leave; 1:29 to 1:9 mix with untreated corn. Ornitrol: CHEMOSTERILANT — does NOT kill; 6mo female / 3mo male sterility; 10 days x 2/year; no secondary poisoning. Toxic perch: FENTHION absorbed through feet; hazardous to ALL species INCLUDING HUMANS; birds die in 4 days; secondary poisoning hazard (hawks/owls have died).

Pigeon vs Starling vs House sparrow

Pigeon (Columba livia): 1-2 creamy-white eggs; 18-day incubation; mate FOR LIFE; pigeon "milk" from crops; 37 days to fledge; 36 mph average flight; 10 young/year; flat-surface roosts. Starling (Sturnis vulgaris): robin-sized; 3 oz; dark with light winter speckles, glossy purplish-black + green in summer; YELLOW BILL Jan-June; SHORT TAIL, chunky humpbacked; TRIANGULAR wings in flight. House sparrow (Passer domesticus): 5-6 in brown chunky; MALE has BLACK BIB + WHITE CHEEKS + CHESTNUT MANTLE around gray crown; bulky roofed nests; plug rain gutters; jam transformers (FIRE HAZARD); reservoir of ST. LOUIS ENCEPHALITIS.

Starling color: winter vs summer

Same bird, dramatically different appearance. WINTER: dark with light SPECKLES on feathers. SUMMER: glossy PURPLISH BLACK and GREEN.

Starling bill color: Jan-June vs other

January through June: bills YELLOW (both sexes). Rest of year: bills DARK. Calendar-driven ID feature.

Roost site vs Loafing site vs Feeding site

For pigeons (and similar for other species): all THREE are usually SEPARATE. Roosting site: protected from elements; for nesting, congregating at night, bad weather. Loafing site: nearby; for inactive birds during daytime. Feeding site: may be SEVERAL MILES away. Inspection should map all three.

Trap and release vs Humane destruction (pigeons)

TRAP AND RELEASE NOT EFFECTIVE — pigeons can fly great distances and find their way home. Trapped birds should be HUMANELY destroyed (calcium cyanide gassing OR neck-breaking, often considered simpler and more humane). Best trapping time = WINTER (food at minimum).

Sticky repellent: dust environments vs Brittle film coating

No-dust environment: applications remain effective ~1 year. With brittle-film coating: protects from dust, may extend effectiveness to 2-5 years. Some products MELT in direct sun and high temperatures.

Ultrasonic devices vs other exclusion

ULTRASONIC DEVICES DO NOT WORK against birds — numerous independent tests have failed to demonstrate any efficacy. NETTING, COVERS, SPIKES, and STICKY REPELLENTS DO work. Same finding as for cat fleas (Ch.10).

Cleanup PPE removal sequence

Wear respirator (0.3-micron filter) + disposable gloves, hat, coveralls, boots. Wet down droppings to suppress spores; keep wet. Bag droppings in sealed plastic; wet outsides of bags. Then: WHILE STILL WEARING THE RESPIRATOR, remove the protective clothing and place items in a plastic bag. Dispose via standard trash. Wash up or shower.

🐦 Pest Bird Species ID Quick Reference

Species

Appearance

Habits / Key Facts

Pigeon
Columba livia

Domestic pigeon from European/Asian rock doves. Various colors. Prefer FLAT smooth surfaces.

"Most serious bird pest associated with buildings." Flocks of 100+. Mostly seed/grain eaters; in urban areas eat garbage. Mate FOR LIFE. 1-2 creamy white eggs; 18-day incubation; "pigeon milk" from crops; fledge at 37 days; 10 young/year. Average flight 36 mph. Lifespan 3-15 years urban; up to 30 in captivity. FEEDING/roosting/loafing sites usually SEPARATE; feeding may be several miles away.

European starling
Sturnis vulgaris

Robin-sized; 3 oz. WINTER: dark with light speckles. SUMMER: glossy purplish-black + green. Bill YELLOW Jan-June, dark other times. SHORT tail; chunky humpbacked. TRIANGULAR wings in flight; direct + swift (not rising/falling).

Introduced 1890 (60 birds NYC) → 140 MILLION today. Nest in tree/rock holes, buildings, birdhouses, power stations, water towers. 2 broods/year, 4-7 young per brood. Migrate in some areas. Fly UP TO 30 MILES to feeding sites; ~1 oz food/day. "STAGE" on high perches before returning to roost. Thousands or tens of thousands at one site.

House sparrow
Passer domesticus

"English sparrow." Brown chunky 5-6 inches. MALE: BLACK BIB, WHITE CHEEKS, chestnut mantle around gray crown, chestnut upper wing covers. Female + young: gray breast, buffy eye stripe, streaked back.

Introduced 1850s. Throughout US except heavy forests, mountains, deserts. 3 broods/season, 4-7 eggs per brood; March-August most common. Bulky roofed nests in trees, ledges, signs, light fixtures. PLUG RAIN GUTTERS, JAM POWER TRANSFORMERS (fire hazard). NO recognized migration. Juveniles travel 4-5 miles to feeding. Tolerate human activity. Major reservoir of ST. LOUIS ENCEPHALITIS. Peck rigid foam insulation.

🛠️ Bird Control Methods Quick Reference

Method

When / How

Key Notes

Inspection / survey

FIRST step. Survey EARLY MORNING + MIDDAY + EVENING (different activity periods). Identify resident vs migrant, adults vs juveniles, nesting/feeding/roosting/loafing sites.

Knowledge of NON-TARGET bird activity is just as important. Map all three site types per species (they're usually separate).

Nest destruction

Destroy nests every 2 WEEKS during spring + summer until birds move. Treat areas within 50 ft of occupied nest with insecticide/acaricide for ectoparasites.

HIGH-PRESSURE HOSE may damage buildings — caution. Check state/local regulations that may prohibit destroying nests with eggs or young.

Netting

Block bird access to large roosting areas. Use in warehouses, around mechanical equipment where AESTHETICS minor. Plastic (extruded black polypropylene with UV inhibitor).

Lasts 2-5 years depending on sun exposure. Has replaced metal/fiber nets in bird control.

Covers / Ramps

Custom-designed for ledges, AC units, roof edges. Sheet metal at 45-degree angle. Plastic inserts custom-fit into indentations.

HIGH COST limits use on large buildings. Best for AESTHETIC settings where appearance matters.

Spikes (porcupine wire)

"Bed of nails" stops birds roosting on ledges. Install metal spikes ABOVE potential landing sites if birds may try to bury them with nest material.

Limited where aesthetics important. Check every 6 MONTHS for accumulated debris. Remove autumn leaves; no tree branches over.

Sticky repellents

Tacky gels/liquids — uncomfortable but birds NOT trapped. Active ingredient: polybutene/isopolybutene or petroleum naphthenic oils. BEAD DEPTHS: crow/sea gull 3/8 in; pigeon 1/4 in; starling 1/8 in; sparrow 1/16 in. Caulking gun at 30-45 degrees.

Clean ledges first. SEAL POROUS surfaces (concrete, unpainted wood, brownstone) before applying. Breaks every few feet to avoid trapping rainwater. Effective ~1 year (2-5 with brittle-film coating). May melt in heat. Birds occasionally stuck — clean with mineral spirits then mineral oil.

Ultrasonic devices

DO NOT WORK against birds. Numerous independent tests have failed to demonstrate any efficacy.

Clients may believe these work — they do not. Same finding as for cat fleas (Ch.10).

Trapping

Especially effective against PIGEONS. Best time = WINTER (food at minimum). Large walk-in (4-6 ft) or low-profile bob (8 in - 2 ft). Whole CORN or SORGHUM best baits. Move inactive trap 10-15 ft to improve catches.

Set in INCONSPICUOUS spots (vandalism risk). Light-colored DECOY birds work best. TRAP AND RELEASE NOT EFFECTIVE — pigeons fly home. Humanely destroy. Sparrow funnel traps better on the GROUND. Starlings poor trap candidates.

Avitrol

Poison bait with FLOCK-ALARMING convulsions. Whole corn for pigeons; smaller grains for sparrows. Mix 1:29 to 1:9 with untreated corn. PREBAIT first to get 40%+ acceptance (3 days to 3 weeks). 5-15% affected → 65-85% flock leaves area.

Within 15 min of toxic dose: erratic flutter + convulsions for 1+ hour. Cardinals, blue jays, doves also eat whole corn — non-target risk. Goal: relocate flock, not kill every pigeon. One application usually adequate; if bait-shy, wait 3 weeks before new prebaiting.

Toxic perches

Metal container with wick holding LIQUID CONTACT POISON (FENTHION). Birds absorb through FEET when standing. Useful where food constantly supplied or Avitrol bait not accepted. 10-12 perches average job; 30 large.

HAZARDOUS to ALL species INCLUDING HUMANS. Toxic dose absorbed in <1 minute but death takes 4 DAYS. Birds die within 20-30 ft of perch. SECONDARY POISONING hazard — hawks and owls have died. Refill twice/year; leak in hot weather. Dead birds MUST be picked up, buried, or burned BY LAW.

Ornitrol

CHEMOSTERILANT — "birth control pill" for pigeons. Does NOT kill. Inhibits OVULATION (females, 6 mo) and SPERM PRODUCTION (males, 3 mo). 10 days x 2/year (early spring + late summer/fall). 7.5 lbs/100 pigeons daily; 1-week prebait.

Most birds eating Ornitrol temporarily sterilized — care for non-targets. Little/no activity in mammals. NO secondary poisoning hazard. Populations decline slowly through natural mortality.

Cleanup of droppings

Respirator filtering down to 0.3 MICRONS + disposable gloves, hat, coveralls, boots. WET DOWN droppings; keep wet. Bag in sealed plastic; wet outsides.

Remove protective clothing WHILE STILL WEARING the respirator. Place items in plastic bag. Dispose via standard trash. Wash up or shower.

💡 Memory Hooks

Federal protection: "Three pest birds are exceptions; everything else IS protected." Pigeon, starling, house sparrow only — even they are subject to FIFRA + state/local rules.

Histoplasmosis vs cryptococcosis: "Histoplasmosis takes 3 years in soil; cryptococcosis is in 84% of old roosts." Different ecology, both inhaled, both need cleanup PPE.

Cleanup PPE sequence: "Wet the droppings, wear the respirator, take clothes off WITH respirator on." Last step keeps spores off your body.

Avitrol mechanism: "5-15% affected, 65-85% leave." Flock alarming, not flock killing.

Avitrol vs Ornitrol: "Avitrol kills some to scare the rest; Ornitrol sterilizes them all." Two different strategies — kill-and-frighten vs no-kill chemosterilization.

Bead depth scales with bird size: "1/16 sparrow → 1/8 starling → 1/4 pigeon → 3/8 crow." Sticky repellent application by species.

Ultrasonic devices don't work: "Same as for cat fleas — no efficacy demonstrated." Tell clients honestly.

Pigeon mating: "Pigeons mate for life; trap and release brings them back." Both behaviors test trapping/control strategy.

Starling bill: "Yellow January-June, dark the rest of the year." Calendar-driven ID feature.

Toxic perch warnings: "Hazardous to humans; birds die in 4 days; dead birds must be picked up by law." Most regulated of the lethal options.